Every Ella walk-in tub is assembled, jetted and tested to order in Chicago, so "in stock" means the shell and components for your exact configuration are on hand and assembly can begin right away, not that a finished tub is sitting on a shelf ready to load. "Preorder" and "backorder" mean that configuration is scheduled for a later production run. Stock is tracked per model, door side, therapy package and color, which is why one door side can be available while the other is on preorder. The team confirms timing for your specific order; the knowledge base does not publish production or delivery timeframes.

What "in Stock" Really Means

Ella's Bubbles is the manufacturer. A tub is not finished until it has been assembled to your configuration, fitted with its jets and pumps, filled and tested for leaks, cleaned, wrapped and crated. When the team says a configuration is in stock, the shell for that size and door side is in the building and the therapy components are available, so your order can move straight into assembly and testing. It still goes through every step described in how your tub is assembled, tested and packed before the freight carrier collects it.

This video shows why "in stock" still means built and tested to order. Each tub is unboxed and inspected for shipping damage when its shell arrives at the warehouse, then designed and assembled for the customer, checked for leaks, run through its pumps and mechanical systems, and its doors, latches, locks and seals are tested until they are tight and leak-proof. After a final check for scratches or dents it is cleaned, dried, labeled, wrapped in plastic and bubble wrap, its handles, spigots, drains and accessories are wrapped and boxed, the installation paperwork is attached, the shipping case is mounted, and the invoice is double checked before the tub is released.

Configuration Matters

Availability is not tracked by model name alone. The same model can be in stock as a left-door soaker and on preorder as a right-door soaker, or available with one therapy package while another waits for the next run. Color, faucet set and accessories such as a bi-fold screen are tracked the same way. As one example, a LayDown soaker has been out of stock in one door side while the other side was on hand. When you ask about availability, always give the exact model, door side, therapy package and any accessories, and ask which combinations are on hand if your first choice is not.

Preorder and Backorder

Both words mean the shell or a component for your configuration is not in the building yet and your order will be built in a later production run. A preorder places your order in line for that run with your configuration recorded. The team can tell you where your order sits and confirm timing once the run is scheduled. Because tubs are made to order, stock of a particular configuration can run out for a season, and the team will say so plainly so you can decide whether to wait or choose an available configuration instead. Ordering while your configuration is available is the surest way to avoid a wait.

Office Hours and Freight Pickup

Orders are processed during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Central, so an order placed over the weekend is picked up when the office opens. Once your tub passes testing and packing, the freight carrier is booked, and you receive a shipment confirmation with a tracking number by email within 24 hours of the tub shipping. The rest of the sequence is described in what happens after you place your order, and delivery preparation in how your tub ships and how to prepare for delivery day.

If Your Bathroom Will Not Be Ready

Tell the team when you order. Explain when your installer expects to be ready and ask whether the shipment can be timed to suit, since a tub that arrives before the bathroom is ready has to be stored crated and out of the weather. The answer depends on the order and on space at the facility, so ask rather than assume, and let the team know as soon as your date changes.

Where to Check

Contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 with the exact model, door side and therapy package. Clearance and warehouse tubs are a special case, since they are sold as configured and cannot be modified; see clearance and warehouse tubs.

Common Questions

Want to know what is on hand for your configuration? Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support/new or call (800) 480-6850.